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We Can All Help To Keep Victoria Safe From Fire

Nominations for the 2005 Fire Awareness Community Service Awards are now open and Victoria’s three fire agencies are asking all Victorians to put forward their ideas on reducing the impact of fire in the community, workplace or industry.

By Department of Sustainability & Environment - 13th July 2005 - Back to News

The annual Awards are a part of Community Safety Month and publicly acknowledge the great work and initiatives of individuals, groups and organisations in reducing the incidence and impact of fire in Victoria.

The Awards are a joint initiative between the Department of Sustainability and Environment, Metropolitan Fire Brigade and CFA and are proudly sponsored by RACV Insurance.

The winning entries will be awarded at a gala event, attracting State Ministers, the heads of Victoria’s fire agencies, nominees and members of the media.

DSE Director of Emergency Management Gary Morgan said the Awards fostered ingenuity within the community and lifted the profile of fire safety.

"Now is the time to put on your thinking caps and look at the ways your group, school, business, volunteer group and organisation have worked to reduce the impact and incidence of fire in the past year," he said.

"These awards are an opportunity to celebrate measures that have contributed significantly to fire safety in Victorian communities."

Mr Morgan said the Awards showcased the role members of the community played in creating safer Victorian communities.

"The Awards acknowledge the commitment and dedication of individuals and organisations who understand that fire safety is the responsibility of all Victorians," he said.

Nine award categories will be featured in the Fire Awareness Community Service Awards in 2005. These categories are:

• RACV Insurance Award for Excellence,

To recognise an individual or group who has developed an initiative that has had a major measurable impact in educating the community about fire safety and/or fire prevention.

• Community Award,

To recognise a not-for-profit, non-fire organisation, community care organisation or community group that has developed and successfully implemented an initiative to reduce the number and/or impact of fires.

• Media Award

To recognise a media agency or an individual journalist who has increased the awareness of fire safety and fire prevention in the community through responsible reporting/journalism.

• Education Award

To recognise an educational facility, including schools and universities, which has developed and successfully implemented an initiative to educate students and/or the wider community about fire safety and/or fire prevention.

• Fire Services

To recognise a fire service (including brigades) that has developed and implemented an initiative via fire safety measures and/or community education to reduce the number and/or impact of fire.

• Indigenous and Multicultural

To recognise an individual or organisation that has developed and successfully implemented an initiative to assist in educating an indigenous or multicultural community about fire safety and/or fire prevention.

• Government Award

To recognise a government agency, excluding the fire agencies, that has developed and successfully implemented an initiative to reduce the number and/or impact of fire.

• Partnership Award

To recognise a partnership between any business, government agency, fire service or not for profit organisation or community group which has worked in a partnership to develop and successfully implement an initiative to reduce the number and/or impact of fires.

• Industry Award

To recognise an industry product, service or workplace strategy/innovation or innovative design that has had a measurable impact on the community in reducing the number and/or impact of fire.

Entries for the award close on 16 September 2005.

For more information regarding the Awards please contact DSE’s Customer Service Centre on 136 186 or at customer.service@dse.vic.gov.au, or visit the DSE Awards web page at www.dse.vic.gov.au/fires

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Wellington Shire Council has endorsed the outcome of its Wellington Libraries Service Review, confirming library services will continue to be delivered as is.
• Tarwin River partnership launches six projects for catchment restoration and community stewardship across West Gippsland
  West Gippsland CMA has launched Together for the Tarwin, funding six projects over 18 months to restore wetlands, waterways and habitats while strengthening community stewardship across the Tarwin catchment.
• Morwell Historical Society opens exhibition celebrating Northway Family’s pioneering legacy and Hazelwood’s early history for community visitors
  Federal and state MPs opened Morwell Historical Society’s Pioneering Northway Family Exhibition, showcasing three generations of Hazelwood pioneers through photographs, documents and maps until November 29.
• Phillip Island prepares for final MotoGP weekend celebrating three decades of racing, community spirit, entertainment and history
  Phillip Island will host its final MotoGP from October 23-25, celebrating three decades of racing while showcasing community festivities, entertainment and the island’s motorsport legacy.
• East Gippsland Shire Council consults service street businesses on proposed Bairnsdale taxi rank relocation and Nicholson street mall improvements
  East Gippsland Shire Council is consulting Service Street businesses on a proposed Bairnsdale taxi rank relocation, while Nicholson Street Mall upgrades aim to improve safety and amenity.
• Gippsland Water customers invited to complete annual satisfaction survey for chance to win $100 bill credits and help improve services
  Gippsland Water customers can complete the annual satisfaction survey from October 1 to 27, sharing feedback to improve services and entering a draw for $100 bill credits.
• Baw Baw Shire expands environmental rebate to encourage reusable products, cut waste and boost community sustainability
  Baw Baw Shire Council has expanded its environmental rebate into three categories, helping residents buy reusable products, reduce landfill waste, improve recycling, and support more sustainable households through partial purchase rebates.
• Ted Summerton Reserve upgrade marks major milestone for Moe’s sporting community and regional events
  Ted Summerton Reserve in Moe is undergoing major upgrades, including improved sporting facilities, accessibility, lighting and training infrastructure, boosting community participation, regional events and tourism across Latrobe City.
• Heyfield childcare faces closure after losing federal funding, putting local families, educators and essential community services at risk
  Heyfield's only childcare service faces closure after losing $270,000 in federal funding, prompting Darren Chester to seek urgent assistance while a Senate inquiry examines rural and regional child care access.
• Open House Latrobe Festival offers behind-the-scenes access to region's unique buildings, stories, communities and cultural heritage from 9 - 11 October
  Open House Latrobe will run from 9-11 October, offering behind-the-scenes access to more than 30 sites while celebrating the region's history, culture, industries, environment and future.
• Draft Omeo District Place Plan released for after 10 months of consultation for final community feedback until 2 October 2026
  East Gippsland Shire Council has released the draft Omeo District Place Plan for feedback, prioritising health, education, housing, employment, social connection, environmental care and emergency preparedness. Submissions close October 2.
• Baw Baw Shire Council Annual Report highlights major achievements, $23.9M road investment and community improvements in 2025-26
  Baw Baw Shire Council’s 2025-26 Annual Report highlights facility upgrades, more than $400,000 in community grants, a new emergency dashboard and $23.9 million invested in road improvements.
• New Bairnsdale footpath to improve access between Princes Highway and key health and community facilities
  A new 280-metre concrete footpath will link Bairnsdale’s Princes Highway with key health and community facilities, improving safety and accessibility for pedestrians, with construction beginning September 21 and lasting six weeks.
• Open house Latrobe opens doors to historic, cultural and industrial sites across the region for visitors to explore and discover from 9 - 11 October 2026
  A chance to visit the most intriguing buildings and places in Latrobe City, normally behind closed doors. The festival will open up significant buildings, infrastructure and landscapes.
• East Gippsland Council introduces free Payble online service offering ratepayers flexible, convenient and automatic payment options for rates
  East Gippsland Council has introduced Payble, a free, secure online service allowing ratepayers to automate payments, choose flexible schedules, check balances and manage rates conveniently.
• Gippsland commuters stranded after V/Line services end early, prompting calls for reliable regional rail services
  Melina Bath criticised Gippsland rail disruptions after AFL fans were stranded following an early service cutoff, calling for reliable regional transport and promising 1,110 additional seats on Traralgon and Bairnsdale services.
• Free green waste disposal at South Gippsland transfer stations and other council updates
  South Gippsland Shire Council’s latest updates cover free green waste disposal, road maintenance, summer fire preparation, community events, bird flu advice, swimming pool feedback, energy planning and local opportunities.
• Latrobe City extends Phoenix partnership, securing NBL matches and delivering sporting, community and economic benefits
  Latrobe City Council has extended its partnership with South East Melbourne Phoenix, securing two NBL matches across the next two seasons, delivering elite sport, community engagement and economic benefits.
• Baw Baw Shire opens applications for artists seeking up to $2,000 grant through Arts and Culture Fund Program, apply by 28 October 2026
  Baw Baw Shire is inviting local artists and creatives to apply for up to $2,000 through its Arts and Culture Fund, supporting projects that strengthen creative practice and community participation.
• West Gippsland Landcare celebrates 40 Years of environmental action and community connection
  More than 150 Landcare supporters celebrated 40 years of West Gippsland Landcare, reflecting on achievements, community connections and future opportunities for resilient landscapes and sustainable farming.
• Cycling Without Age Gippsland returns with free trishaw rides around Sale’s Lake Guthridge for community passengers and visitors
  Cycling Without Age Gippsland has resumed free trishaw rides at Lake Guthridge, Sale, welcoming Central Gippsland Health passengers and 16 floral art convention visitors, while inviting bookings and new volunteers.
• South Gippsland residents invited to shape future heritage precincts across four townships through community consultation
  South Gippsland Shire Council is inviting residents across Loch, Fish Creek, Toora and Korumburra to help shape and protect their townships' unique heritage character.
• Cr John White recognised for 10 Years of dedicated service representing East Gippsland communities on council
  East Gippsland Councillor John White has been recognised for 10 years of service, including two terms as Mayor, advocating for local priorities and representing communities across government levels.